Approved:/s/ Robert Stanton (signed original on file)
Director, National Park Service

Effective Date:August 2, 1999

Sunset Date: August 2, 2003

The National Park Service hosts nearly 300 million visitors to the national parks each year. To provide for visitor enjoyment of the parks, the NPS operates (directly or indirectly) water supply systems, waste management systems, food service operations, bathing beaches, swimming pools and overnight accommodations. In most cases, there are Federal, state and/or local codes--designed to protect the public health--which govern the conditions under which these facilities and services are provided. To ensure these facilities and services are operated in a safe and healthful manner, and according to existing public health laws and regulations, the NPS Public Health Program conducts health risk and environmental compliance assessments. The Program provides technical assistance to parks on request. It trains NPS personnel in the recognition and management of health risks, and provides health awareness information in the form of brochures, messages in the Operational Notes section of the Ranger Morning Reports, and on its NPS web page (http://www.nps.gov/public_health/).

The purpose of this Director's Order is to outline what the NPS will do to ensure compliance with prescribed public health policies, practices and procedures. This order establishes NPS policy with respect to all public health activities within areas of NPS jurisdiction, regardless of whether those activities are carried out by NPS or other Federal employees, or by other organizations, including the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS). Public health includes illnesses associated with drinking water, wastewater, food safety, animal vectors, animal reservoirs, hazardous wastes, indoor air pollution, institutional sanitation, radiation safety, medical wastes, solid wastes, air pollution, and other related areas of environmental health.

This Director's Order, and Reference Manual 83 (RM-83), supersede and replace Guideline NPS-83 and any other previously issued policy or procedural statements that may be at variance with the policies and procedures stated herein. It applies to all facilities and services provided in the parks, whether by the NPS directly, or by concessioners, leaseholders, or permittees.

The authority to issue this Director’s Order is contained in 16 U.S.C. 1 through 4 (the National Park Service Organic Act), and Part 245 of the Department of the Interior Manual.

A. It is the policy of the NPS to protect the health and well-being of NPS employees and park visitors through the elimination or control of disease agents and the various modes of their transmission to man and to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State and local public health laws, regulations and ordinances. Implementation of this policy will be tempered by the Organic Act’s requirement that the NPS conserve the scenery and natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

B. The Associate Director, Park Operations and Education, will issue RM-83 to provide more detailed information on the public health policies, practices, procedures, and standards that park managers must adhere to in providing facilities and services to the public.

C. Based on the unique circumstances and conditions of National Park Service sites, the Public Health consultant has the discretion to recommend adaptations to these requirements considering specific site conditions and relevant authority under the law.

Park managers will reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and provide safe drinking water to employees, the visiting public, and park partners by assuring that drinking water systems are properly operated, maintained, monitored, and deficiencies promptly corrected. Water systems will be regulated in accordance with (1) the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.); (2) the Primacy Agency (e.g., the agency designated by Federal law as having oversight responsibility) requirements; or (3) this NPS drinking water system policy, whichever is most stringent. Additional guidance is provided in RM-83, Reference A.

A.1 All parks that operate public or non-public drinking water systems will have at least one state certified operator and a designated backup operator responsible for the operation of the systems in that particular park.

A.2 All designated operators, including backup operators, will be trained in accordance with the requirements of the Primacy Agency. Park managers will assure that operators receive required training and submit a list annually of operators requiring training to the Public Health Service (PHS) Consultant.

A.3 Park managers will designate, in writing, personnel who will assure that required records are reviewed, maintained in permanent files for periodic review by the PHS Consultant or Primacy Agency representatives, and that reports are submitted on a timely basis as required by the PHS Consultant and the Primacy Agency.

A.4 Bacteriological and chemical sampling will be performed in accordance with Federal, State and local laws and regulations, and with the requirements in RM-83, whichever is most stringent.

A.5 All water samples will be tested in laboratories certified by the Primacy Agency.

A.6 All surface water sources and any groundwater sources subject to surface water influence, as determined by (1) the Primacy Agency for public systems, or (2) the PHS Consultant for nonpublic systems, will be provided with approved filtration.

A.7 All drinking water systems will be continuously disinfected. The PHS Consultant, however, may specifically exempt non-public systems, in writing. Acceptable disinfecting methods are those which provide a measurable disinfectant residual in the distribution system.

A.8 One disinfectant residual sample per day will be measured and recorded from representative points in all park-operated, disinfected, distribution systems. Parks operating nonpublic drinking water systems or receiving water from municipalities should contact the PHS Consultant for residual monitoring requirements.

A.9 Sanitary surveys will be conducted in accordance with Primacy Agency requirements.

A.10 All drinking water systems will have a documented cross connection control program on file for review by the Primacy Agency and the PHS Consultant.

A.11 All NPS water hauling operations, whether conducted by the park or a private contractor, will be hauled from an approved water source that meets the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act or RM-83, Reference A, whichever is most stringent.

A.12 All parks will comply with the public notification requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

A.13 When drinking water system modifications or new construction are proposed, parks will contact the Primacy Agency to determine if plans and specifications should be submitted for approval. A copy of plans and specifications will be provided to the PHS Consultant.

A.14 Potable water for backcountry operations must be (1) hauled from a public system, or (2) boiled, or (3) filtered and disinfected.

Park managers will reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and provide safe wastewater disposal by ensuring wastewater systems are properly operated, maintained, monitored, and deficiencies promptly corrected. Wastewater systems will be compliance with (1) the Clean Water Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); (2) The Primacy Agency requirements; or (3) this NPS wastewater policy, whichever is most stringent. Additional guidance is provided in RM-83, Reference B1.

B.1 Park managers will ensure that operators are adequately trained and certified in accordance with operator requirements of the Primacy Agency. All systems that are required to have a discharge permit or serve at least 100 persons will have certified operators. Park managers will designate, in writing, primary operators, and backup operators who have adequate training and skills to operate the system.

B.2 Park managers will designate, in writing, personnel who will assure that required records are reviewed, maintained in permanent files for periodic review by the PHS Consultant or Primacy Agency representatives, and that reports are submitted on a timely basis as required by the PHS Consultant and the Primacy Agency.

B.3 When wastewater system modifications or new construction are proposed, parks will submit plans and specifications to the Primacy Agency for approval. A copy of the plans and specifications will be provided to the PHS Consultant.

B.4 All wastewater facilities will be installed, operated and monitored in accordance with Primacy Agency requirements.

B.5 Suitable front country waste systems include: flush toilets; vault toilets; and chemical toilets (for temporary use only, because they require frequent service and pumping to prevent objectionable odors).

B.6 Suitable backcountry waste systems include flush toilets; composting toilets; barrel toilets; evaporator toilets; incinerator toilets and pit privies. Pit privies should only be used as a last resort where other types of facilities are not possible. The Park Sanitarian or the PHS Consultant should conduct the siting of pit privies.

B.7 All new vault toilets will incorporate the U.S. Forest Service Sweet Smelling Toilet (SST) design features. Vault toilets will be pumped as necessary. The U.S. Forest Service In-Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets is provided in RM-83, Reference B2.

B.8 All toilet facilities will be cleaned and re-supplied as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of sanitation. The U.S. Forest Service Cleaning Recreation Sites is provided in RM-83, Reference B3.

B.9 Adequate sanitation facilities will be required for remote areas such as river rafting, horseback riding, back country biking, backpacking and similar activities in accordance with RM-83, Reference H.

B.10 Septic tanks will be inspected annually to determine the amount of accumulated scum and sludge. Records of measurements, inspections, and pumping will be available for review by the PHS Consultant. Septic tank risers will be provided for inspection holes to facilitate inspection and pumping. Septic tanks will be pumped when the scum and or sludge levels in the tank dictate (generally every 3-5 years). The bottom of the scum should never be closer than 3 inches to the bottom of the outlet device, and the top of the sludge layer should never be less than 8 inches from the bottom of the outlet device.

B.11 Septic tank drain fields will be surveyed annually during a high use period to identify system failures such as odors and surfacing wastewater. The drain field should be kept clear of trees and bushes, which may send roots into the drain field piping system causing clogging and premature failure.

B.12 Personnel who routinely come into contact with sewage or who work in or inspect wastewater treatment facilities, lagoons, etc. will have a current immunization for tetanus.

B.13 Wastewater treatment plant personnel will not eat, drink or smoke when performing maintenance or inspecting equipment, which may be contaminated with human sewage.

B.14 In the event of a major wastewater leak or spill, the PHS Consultant will be notified within one business day. Facilities and equipment contaminated with sewage as a result of leaks, spills, and sewage system backflow will be thoroughly washed down with water and detergent.

Park managers will reduce the risk of foodborne diseases to employees, the visiting public, and park partners by ensuring that all food operations are managed according to the FDA Food Code, as amended, unless specifically exempted by PHS regional consultant, and DO-48. Food operations include, but are not limited to NPS, concessioner, special events, incidental business permits and emergency incidents. The FDA Food Code is provided in RM-83, Reference C1.

C.1 All permanent food service facilities will be inspected according to schedules established by the PHS Consultant and concession program manager.

C.2 Temporary food service operations (stationary and non-stationary facilities) will meet the same general requirements as permanent facilities by complying with the FDA Food Code and consulting with the regional PHS Consultant to determine additional recommendations and alternative compliance options to the Food Code. See RM-83, Reference C2 for additional guidance on temporary food services and RM-83, Reference H for backcountry operations.

Park managers will reduce the risk of waterborne diseases by ensuring designated bathing beaches are properly operated, maintained, and monitored, and deficiencies promptly corrected, in compliance with applicable state/local regulations. In the absence of applicable state or local regulations, the following NPS policies will apply. Bathing beaches can be located at lakes, rivers, oceans, hot springs, and other bodies of water. Additional guidance is provided in RM-83, Reference D.

D.1 Bathing beach monitoring is required for each designated beach. Designated beaches are those that the Park has identified (using signs, brochures etc.) as available to the public for contact recreational water activities. Monitoring is recommended for other areas that are heavily used (40 or more people per 100 linear feet of shoreline). Specific requirements of the monitoring program include:

D.2 A copy of the bathing beach monitoring plan and current bathing beach sanitary survey report will be sent to the PHS Consultant for review and concurrence approximately one month before the beginning of the recreational season.

D.3 Samples will be collected in conformance with the most recent edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

D.4 Analyses will be done in conformance with the most recent edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Parks that have their own laboratory should meet state certification requirements. Parks that do not do their own sample analyses will use a certified microbiological laboratory.

D.5 Parks located in states that have bathing beach bacterial standards will comply with those standards or DO-83, whichever is more stringent.

D.6 Parks will submit bacteriological sampling results to the PHS Consultant.

D.7 When the applicable bacterial density standard is exceeded, park managers will report the bacterial density results to the PHS Consultant and the applicable state agency, and advise the PHS Consultant, applicable state agency, and the local news media that a health advisory regarding the affected area will be posted. The advisory will notify the public of the potential health risks from swimming at the designated beach. The affected beach will be re-sampled immediately by taking two samples each day at each sampling location where the bacterial standard was exceeded. Re-sampling will be continued until the bacterial standard is not exceeded for two consecutive days. The PHS Consultant may waive this re-sampling requirement. When it is safe to reopen the beach, park managers will resume routine monitoring and notify the PHS Consultant, the local public health agency, and the news media of the decision to reopen the beach. All signs should be removed.

Park managers will reduce the risk of waterborne diseases by ensuring that NPS and concessioner swimming pools are properly constructed, operated, maintained, and monitored, and deficiencies promptly corrected in accordance with applicable state or local regulations. Additional guidance is provided in RM-83, Reference E.

Park managers will reduce the risk of waterborne diseases by ensuring that NPS and concessioner spas and hot tubs are properly constructed, operated, maintained, monitored, and deficiencies promptly corrected in accordance with applicable state or local regulations. Additional guidance is provided in RM-83, Reference F.

Park managers will reduce the risk of waterborne, foodborne and vectorborne diseases by designating, in writing, a person responsible for implementing and coordinating the Illness Reporting Program. Responsibilities include maintaining reporting logs, notifying regional Public Health consultants or WASO Public Health when suspected outbreak is occurring, and coordinating, at the park level, the appropriate response. When a Sanitarian or Environmental Health Specialist is located in the park, that person should be designated as the Illness Reporting Program Coordinator. A copy of the written designation will be provided to the regional PHS Consultant. Additional guidance is provided in RM-83, Reference G.

G.1 When a foodborne, waterborne, vectorborne or occupational illness is suspected, the Illness Reporting Coordinator will contact the PHS Regional Consultant for advice and support. If the Consultant is not available, request assistance from applicable local, state, or federal public health agencies that are staffed with trained public health professionals. Depending upon park jurisdiction, federal agencies will respond only at the request of local health departments.

G.2 Park managers will take any appropriate steps to restrict or close, in whole or in part, any establishment, facility, or operation when evidence suggests an outbreak of disease may be occurring, or recurring. These steps may include the closure of the entire park or portion thereof where conditions warrant. This authority may be found in 36 CFR 1.5. Such a decision should be made after careful consideration of all facts, and in consultation with the PHS Consultant, the Illness reporting Coordinator, and involved local/state/federal health officials.

G.3 Park managers and/or the Public Affairs Officer will decide when or if a news media release is appropriate.

G.4 The Illness Reporting Coordinator, and where appropriate, dispatch centers, district rangers, and park managers will maintain a list of applicable telephone numbers for Regional PHS Consultants and applicable local and state health agencies.

G.5 All illness complaints, after being reviewed by the park Sanitarian or PHS Consultant, will be entered into the Case Incident Reporting system (CIRS) by the Illness Reporting Coordinator.

G.6 The park concession office will be notified when an illness investigation is conducted in a concessioner's facility.

G.7 The park concession office will notify the regional concession office of confirmed illnesses that involve park concessioner facilities.

G.8 Persons who complain of illness while in a park will be referred to a health care provider for evaluation, and possible laboratory confirmation.

G.9 For guidance on collecting, storing, shipping and analysis of samples, the Illness Reporting Coordinator will consult with the Regional PHS Consultant or local/state/federal consultants contacted for support.

G.10 The Illness Reporting Coordinator will keep the NPS Park Manager informed of the status of the investigation. A written summary of the investigation should be submitted to the Park Manager within thirty days. The report should include pertinent information such as the number of ill persons, symptoms, diagnosis (confirmed or suspect), duration of outbreak, action taken, conclusions, and recommendations to prevent similar outbreaks from occurring. The Illness Reporting Coordinator will also ensure the investigation summary is entered into the Case Incident Reporting system (CIRS).

H. BACKCOUNTRY OPERATIONS POLICY

Park managers will reduce the risk of water-borne, food-borne, and vector-borne diseases by ensuring that all backcountry water, wastewater and food operations (NPS, concessioner, special events, commercial use authorizations, and emergency incidents) are operated in accordance with current Public Health regulations and policies. Additional guidance is provided in RM-83, Reference H.

H.1 Potable water for backcountry operations must be (1) hauled from a public system, or (2) boiled, or (3) filtered and disinfected.

H.2 Adequate sanitation facilities are required for remote activities such as trail maintenance, fire fighting, ranger stations, river rafting, horseback riding, backcountry biking, backpacking, and similar activities.

H.3 Park managers will ensure that all backcountry food service operations (stationary and non-stationary facilities) meet the same general requirements as permanent facilities by complying with the FDA Food Code and consulting with the Regional PHS Consultant to determine additional recommendations and alternative compliance options to the FDA Food Code.

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